Epiphany Short Story 1
“Another Year”
New Year's Day is a public holiday all over the world and at the start the year, I think it is a good idea to take some time to yourself with a pen and paper and look back over the year that has been and look forward to the year ahead
I know it is hard sometimes to get time to yourself - it rarely presents itself on a plate. If you are deliberate about it and give yourself just half an hour it will make a difference. As you look back write about the high points in the year, how you enjoyed them and write about the low points and what you have learned from that and assess whether there are still some unresolved issues to put right, maybe an apology to a friend or a repayment of a debt.
As you look forward think about the challenges ahead it could be at work or a personal matter search as an illness or a relationship issue. Let your writing down of the matter be your prayer to God for strength to cope and courage to do what you see as right. Pray for help with difficult decisions. The main thing is to take some time out today to look back and look forward, using your notes as a prayer to God who hears every prayer.
45 years ago at this time, I was doing this very thing - looking back and looking forward.
Looking back I had a number of things to put right and I had experienced the joys of representing my country at sport and playing for one of the top British hockey teams every week. Then I wrote a strange thing which still sends a shiver down my spine.
1 January 1979
“I don’t know what the year ahead holds for me, there will be some surprises,
I believe my hockey will be affected, maybe something to do with my legs.”
Those of you who know me will find this astonishing because - five months later on 30 May 1979 I was involved in a near-fatal car accident which left me with a broken back and both legs paralysed. Eight months in hospital followed for rehabilitation.
Obviously, there would be no more hockey for me and I had to quickly readjust to the possibility of the rest of my days as a wheelchair user.
So, what do you make of that ‘premonition’ I wrote of on, 1 January 1979, or more to the point, what do I make of it?
Well, there is a verse in the Bible which says God is faithful, he will not let you be tested beyond what you can bear” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Looking back I truly believe in his merciful way, God was preparing me for the difficulty ahead. Had I known more, I could not have faced it.
Had I not looked forward in this way I would never have had the centring focus on God which has carried me through these last 45 years.
I recommend you take some space today to look ahead and use your notes as a prayer to God to commit your year and all your days to the Lord Jesus. He will give you courage, strength and wisdom as you enter this new year.
God Bless.
A New Years Prayer
Lord, this year I want to change, and I've said that in the past.
but now my prayer is different 'cause I understand at last.
I wanted my own way before, I ignored your loving plans.
But now I'm putting everything into your nail-scarred hands.
I promise to obey you out of gratitude and love.
I won't be giving orders to my Father up above.
I finally realize the truth and so I've changed my prayer.
The safest place for me to be, is in your gentle care.
Please be my shepherd, Jesus, that's all I ask of you.
In good times and in bad this year, Take my hand and lead me through.
Amen. - Jack Zavada
